Online Shopping Figures For the UK

The market for online retailers has been growing continuously since its inception. This is particularly evident in the UK where e-commerce accounts for 20% of all retail sales.

Many consumers use online shopping to research brands prior to purchasing and 45% prefer to "buy online, then pick it up in stores". This is an interesting shift in consumer behaviour that bricks-and-mortar stores should pay attention to.

1. Online retail sales in the UK

It's no secret that online retail sales in the UK have risen significantly in the last few years. According to data from 2023 the B2C e-commerce market is expected to grow to nearly $120 billion by the year 2023. This growth is driven by shifting consumer habits and the adoption of digital transformation technologies by retailers. As a result bricks and mortar stores are losing popularity as more shoppers are turning to online stores for their purchases.

With this in mind, it's crucial for both pureplay and omni channel retailers to know what motivates consumers to buy online. We've compiled statistics and figures for retail sales that are both eye-opening and revealing to help you.

Fashion is the most sought-after retail sector in the UK accounting for 28 percent of all e-commerce sales. This is probably due to the wider range of products accessible and the convenience of being able to try on clothes without having to leave home. Electronics is second with 16% of the sales made through e-commerce. This is likely due to the constant need for new gadgets and the need to keep up with most recent technology. Online sales of leisure and hobbies products represent 15% of all ecommerce sales.

When asked about the reason they shop online, 57% of respondents mentioned convenience. Then, 48% cited price comparison while 37% stated that they were seeking discounts or special deals. These results indicate that UK shoppers are less price-driven than their European counterparts and are more focused on convenience and a wide variety.

2. Online shopping in the UK

Online shopping has become a daily part of life for many UK residents. It doesn't matter if it's for electronic gadgets, groceries or clothes - nearly half of UK residents over 65 have made an online purchase in the last year. With a wide variety of payment methods available customers can also decide the best time and method for their purchases to be delivered.

There are many motives to shop online, some of the most popular include convenience, price, and availability. In fact, 57% of shoppers cite convenience as the primary reason to shop online. In addition, 48% mentioned lower prices as an additional benefit, kizkiuz.com while 37% mentioned an increased selection of options as well.

Online Shopping Figures Uk shopping habits of UK consumers are also becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. For instance, 79% of UK online shoppers report recycling boxes and other packaging materials they have purchased from their purchases. They can take action if their orders are not packaged in a sustainable friendly manner.

Some customers want to make their online shopping experience more personal. They are not only trying to reduce their environmental impact, but also reduce their carbon footprint. For instance 35 percent of UK customers have purchased clothing or footwear from a retailer with their measurements on the file. This lets them bypass the return process and get what they want faster.

It is interesting to note that UK consumers are reported to be more eager than ever to wait for online orders. This could be because they are more used to the slower delivery times and are more aware of the time it takes for an item to be delivered in the mail.

3. Online shopping in the UK according to age group

Online shopping in the UK is a very popular pastime for a lot of people. Clothes and accessories are the most sought-after purchases, followed by groceries, and media like movies and music. Shopping online is also popular in the UK during the annual Black Friday and Christmas sales. This is because people find these sales convenient. Online comparisons of products and prices are also possible when purchasing these items.

It is crucial to understand that online shoppers are very diverse and this makes it crucial for ecommerce companies to know what their customers are seeking when they purchase products. It is also crucial to know how much time each segment of customers spends online. For instance, the younger generation is more likely to shop on mobile devices than any other age group. This is due to the fact that the younger generation is less time-conscious and uses a variety of devices to accomplish online tasks.

Older generations tend to be more sceptical about their buying habits and less influenced by online advertising. They also prefer to go to shops in the high street to feel and touch products before making a decision. However, this doesn't mean that they don't shop online, as the convenience and stress-free nature of online shopping remains extremely appealing to them.

Another interesting aspect to be considered when shopping online is the fact that older generations are more likely than younger generations to anticipate and expect free shipping on all of their purchases. Additionally, they tend to drop their carts if they believe that shipping costs are prohibitive. Furthermore, as many as 61% of over 55s say that they will add more items to their cart in order to reach a free delivery threshold.

4. Online shopping in the UK by gender

In the UK, men and women are equally likely to shop online. However women are more likely to make large purchases, such as electrical appliances or furniture, than men. Both groups are more likely to purchase fashion as well as health and beauty gardening, home and garden and consumer electronics.

In addition, UK consumers are increasingly looking for businesses that are environmentally-friendly and community-based. Studies have found that 70% of shoppers are influenced by the way a retailer responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with 69% of these searching for brands that support and collaborate with their local communities.

The most popular online shopping items in the UK are shoes and clothing. In fact, 62 percent of female British online shoppers purchased these items in the year 2020. However, online sales aren't restricted to the clothing sector, with a variety of other products available such as kitchenware, jewellery, and sports goods.

Shopping online has become increasingly popular to find the best online shopping sites clothes bargains. In fact, some analysts have predicted that online sales will make up nearly one-third of all retail sales in 2024.

While some retailers struggle to keep up with the growth in online shopping, others are flourishing. Online sales are increasing in health and wellness gardening, home and garden and consumer electronic.

In the future the online shopping market for these items is expected to increase. As the number of internet users continues to grow, it is expected that online shopping will increase in popularity in the near future. With the increasing popularity of this method of shopping, it is important for retailers to ensure their websites are optimized for mobile devices and that they offer an easy and secure checkout process.

5. Online shopping in the UK by region

The UK is a top European online retail market. When it comes to online shopping the British consumers are influenced primarily by price, convenience and a variety of products. These factors make it a great location for retailers looking to improve their web presence and provide a seamless shopping experience.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, online sales grew significantly as people sought out safe and convenient options for shopping. This trend has continued even after the outbreak as consumers continue to shop online as an alternative.

Online shopping is a major part of UK retail and certain estimates suggest that it will comprise three-quarters of retail sales by 2024. This growth is driven by increasing consumer adoption of ecommerce and technological advancements.

In the UK, 57% of online shoppers cite convenience as the main reason for them to shop online. The 48 percent who say it's easier to find deals and special offers, and the 37% who say there's a wider selection of merchandise available online are behind. In Europe, a higher proportion of shoppers cite lower prices as a key factor for their decision to purchase online.

Online shoppers are also willing to try new products and brands. Nearly 25% of shoppers online have purchased products that they've never purchased on the high street before, and half are eager to try new products when they shop on the marketplaces like Amazon. UK shoppers are in love with the buy now, pay later checkouts. 29 percent of online shoppers have made use of this method in the last year.

Additionally, a strong online return policy is an essential aspect of the ecommerce environment in the UK. The majority of online shoppers (59%) will research the returns policy of a retailer prior purchasing, and more than half will expect the retailer to be responsible for both arranging and paying for return shipping.